When Caesar crossed the Rubicon, Pompey and the Senators fled Rome and left the capital devoid of political leadership. The Senate was apprehensive of relinquishing its power to the populist leader, while also fearing the potential dictatorship. Despite strong senatorial opposition, Caesar pressed forward as he had support from not only his soldiers but also from the Roman populace. Behind this resounding popularity were three key aspects that positioned Caesar as the one to end the Republic.
Caesar’s Julii family claims the most divine heritage that connects back to Aeneas, a protagonist of the Roman poem The Aeneid (by Virgil), who fled Troy and established Rome. Caesar claims to be the descendant of Julus (Ascanius), a son of Aeneas. By linking himself to the founder of Rome, Caesar sought to promote his prestige and legitimacy, presenting himself as part of the legendary lineage.
Nascetur pulchra Troianus origine Caesar, imperium oceano, famam qui terminet astris, Iulius, a magno demissum nomen Iulo.”
From the beautiful line of Troy a Caesar will rise, who will extend his empire to the ocean and his glory to the stars, Julius, descendant of the great name of Julus.
(Aeneid Book 1, Virgil)
The Aeneid was commissioned by Augustus long after Caesar in order to glorify the Julii family, yet this divine propaganda greatly helped Caesar gain his popular support against the Senators.
Beyond the mythological dimensions, Caesar emerged as a populist leader from the beginning, putting himself in contrast to the Senate dominated by the Optimates (Aristocrats). Caesar’s populism involved championing populist movements such as land reforms, and he cultivated his populist image by aligning with the Plebians (Roman Citizens). Not only was he a political figure, but he was also the most prominent general of the time; Caesar showcased his military prowess in the Gallic Wars when he subjugated all of France and nearby territories to the Republic. Expansion embodied the Roman ethos, and military success was the foremost means of elevating one’s dignitas, a Roman concept of charisma, prestige, and power. Caesar was no doubt the individual with the greatest dignitas of his times, garnering fervent support from the Romans.
Caesar’s popularity is a mixture of religious, political, and military elements. Following his triumph over Pompey and the remaining senatorial forces spread throughout the Republic, Caesar’s victory brought an apparent conclusion to the century long conflict between the Optimates and the Plebeians. Caesar, representing Plebeians and embodying populism, emerged victorious over Pompey and his Optimates allies. However, despite representing the people, Caesar later declared himself “dictator perpetuo” the eternal dictator, effectively bringing an end to the Roman republic. Remarkably, while the republic had not yet officially transformed into an empire, many Romans later came to regard Caesar as the precursor to the imperial era. This irony lies in the fact that a leader supporting the interests of the people proclaimed himself a dictator, contrary to the populist principles. The second irony is that Caesar received continued support from the populace, who remained his followers. Despite the shift towards a more autocratic rule, the people, paradoxically, maintained their unwavering support. This underscores the political complexity and public sentiment during this era of Roman history.